It’s been a tough week for the Los Angeles Clippers as Randy Shelton their former strength and conditioning coach filed a lawsuit against them alleging wrongful termination. Shelton claims his dismissal was linked to his concerns over the team’s handling of Kawhi Leonard’s health.
The former trainer had a prior relationship with Kawhi Leonard from their time at San Diego State, and he alleged that his 2019 hiring was part of an informal agreement tied to the Klaw signing with the Clippers. Furthermore, he also asserted that he voiced concerns about the team’s mismanagement of Leonard’s recovery from injuries.
Lawsuit filed today against Clippers by Kawhi Leonard’s personal trainer that includes allegations of tampering years prior to signing the star.
Thread: pic.twitter.com/Txwq35DGfh
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 24, 2024
Specifically, Shelton expressed unease after Leonard suffered three injuries following his 2022 ACL tear. He reportedly told superiors that disregarding Leonard’s recovery process was unacceptable. Despite his concerns, Shelton was terminated without cause in July 2023.
Shelton now seeks back pay from the Clippers, while Leonard remains sidelined due to knee inflammation. The lawsuit highlights potential tensions between the team’s management and medical staff regarding the two-time NBA champion’s health.
LA Clippers deny allegations of mishandling Kawhi Leonard’s injuries
While the lawsuit came in, the Los Angeles Clippers have denied allegations made by former trainer Randy Shelton. The claims insinuated that Kawhi Leonard received “unsafe and illegal treatment for injuries” during his time with the team.
The Clippers issued me a statement, disputing the claims: “Mr. Shelton’s claims were investigated and found to be without merit. We honored Mr. Shelton’s employment contract and paid him in full. This lawsuit is a belated attempt to shake down the Clippers based on accusations… https://t.co/DpjsVr4mg7
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 24, 2024
Leonard’s career with the Clippers have been truncated by a series of injuries which have even led to calls for him to retire early and end his misery. While he himself has admitted to not being able to play regularly, in the long run, it is bound to affect the Clippers.
And his absence did affect them in their first game of the season and worse, in their first official game at their new home, the Intuit Dome. They lost to a Kevin Durant-led Phoenix Suns 116-113 in overtime, despite the 29 points and 12 rebounds effort from James Harden.
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